June 21/03 8:30 am - Beauce Stage 5b (Preliminary)

Vassili Davidenko (Navigators) has taken his second stage win of the 2003 Grand Prix Cycliste de Beauce in the 60 kilometer criterium this evening in St Georges, just ahead of Gord Fraser (Health Net) and Charles Dionne (Team Canada).

The 40 lap criterium through the streets of downtown St Georges did not affect the general classification, but did provide exciting racing for the local community who support the race. Race leader John Lieswyn's 7 Up-Maxxis squad was keeping a close eye on the the proceedings, assisted by Health Net and other sprinter teams, so nothing stayed away for too long. One small group got away in the second half of the stage that included national champion Andrew Randell (Jet Fuel), but everything was back together with 10 laps to go.

Team Canada spent a lot of time at the front in the final 10 laps, setting up Charles Dionne, with Eric Wohlberg and Cory Lange keeping the pace high. However, it was not to be for Dionne, still searching for his first stage win at Beauce, when Davidenko came through in the final 200 meters to take the stage.

Tomorrow, Beauce finishes up with a 15 lap, 165 kilometer circuit race through St Georges. It is difficult to imagine Lieswyn being dislodged from the yellow jersey at this point, but ZVVZ will be sure to try attacking and looking for weaknesses in his team, who have been working to protect the jersey since stage 1.